A National Security Priority: USDA’s Plan to Stabilize the Beef Industry and Support American Ranchers
(Washington, D.C., October 22, 2025) – In a significant move to bolster the American beef industry, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, unveiled a robust plan aimed at strengthening the nation’s ranching sector. This initiative underscores the critical role of American ranchers in ensuring national security and providing affordable, high-quality beef to consumers.
Over the past decade, the U.S. has faced alarming challenges in the agricultural sector. Since 2017, the country has lost over 17% of its family farms—more than 100,000 operations—while the national cattle herd has dwindled to its lowest level in 75 years. Meanwhile, consumer demand for beef has surged by 9%, creating a pressing need to stabilize the industry. Recognizing the time-intensive nature of increasing the domestic herd, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking immediate action to reduce market volatility for ranchers and make beef more affordable for American families.
A National Security Priority
“America’s food supply chain is a national security priority for the Trump Administration,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are committed to ensuring the American people have an affordable source of protein and that America’s ranchers have a strong economic environment where they can continue to operate for generations to come.”
The USDA’s plan includes a series of targeted measures to protect the beef industry and encourage new ranchers to enter the field. Key actions include:
Expedited Deregulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations to reduce operational burdens on ranchers.
Boosting Processing Capacity: Expanding facilities to process locally raised beef, including initiatives to supply more beef to schools.
Addressing Grazing Restrictions: Collaborating across government agencies to modernize outdated policies that hinder ranchers’ access to public lands.
Supporting Ranchers Through Deregulation and Access
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized the importance of restoring grazing access on public lands. “At Interior, the Department is slashing red tape and restoring grazing access to support the livelihoods of hardworking Americans in the ranching industry,” he said. “Thanks to President Trump, this administration is taking decisive action to support America’s farmers and ranchers so that they can support American families with high-quality beef.”
Promoting Health Through Whole Foods
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted the connection between the beef industry and public health. “We face a chronic disease epidemic in this country largely tied to the foods we eat,” he stated. “Under President Trump, we are restoring whole foods as the foundation of the American diet and ending the decades-old stigma against natural saturated fat in beef and dairy products. Bottom line: we cannot Make America Healthy Again without America’s farmers and ranchers.”
Empowering Ranchers as Small Businesses
Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler underscored the vital role of ranches as the backbone of America’s small business economy. “Ranches and farmers are the original small businesses,” she said. “Today, thanks to the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Rollins, this Administration is taking major action to strengthen our food supply and the beef industry by offering more security for the hardworking ranches our nation depends on.”
The SBA’s contributions to the plan include cutting burdensome regulations and providing government-guaranteed loans to support ranchers as they work to stabilize and grow the American beef supply.
A Vision for the Future
The USDA’s plan represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing the American beef industry. By reducing regulatory barriers, increasing processing capacity, and supporting ranchers through financial and operational assistance, the initiative aims to ensure a stable and secure food supply for generations to come.
As Secretary Rollins aptly stated, “At USDA, we are protecting our beef industry and incentivizing new ranchers to take up the noble vocation of ranching.” This plan not only strengthens the backbone of America’s agricultural economy but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to its ranchers, consumers, and national security.
For more details on the USDA’s plan, visit the official USDA website.
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